Although the SpikeTV Video Game Awards are a big deal for the nominees and the winners, arguably the more important aspect of the show comes from what happens between and after the awards are handed out.
The VGAs find themselves well positioned as the December destination for developers looking to introduce a new game, or tantalize fans with a new trailer. There are always gaming events going on year round, but the last major show of the year is September’s Tokyo Game Show, and the next will be GDC in March. That leaves a huge gap for the industry that the VGAs have managed to fill. Developers and publishers alike use the time to tease new titles, and this year was no exception.
Below is a roundup of what the VGAs had to offer. Please note that all release dates are subject to change (looking at you, Diablo III).
Alan Wake: American Nightmare (Xbox Live–Q1 2012)
The Amazing Spider-Man (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii—Summer 2012)
BioShock Infinite (PC, PS3, Xbox 360—2012)
Command and Conquer Generals 2 (PC—2013)
Darksiders 2 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U—June 2012)
Diablo 3 (PC, Mac, Xbox 360—Q1 2012)
Fortnite (TBA)
Hitman: Absolution (PC, PS3, Xbox 360—2012)
The Last of Us (PS3—TBA)
Mass Effect 3 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360—March 6, 2012)
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (PS3, Xbox 360—2012)
Rainbow 6: Patriots (PC, PS3, Xbox 360—2013)
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (PS3, Xbox 360—Holidays 2012)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live–2012)
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (PS3, Xbox 360—December 1, 2012)